• Southwest Airlines allows travelers to fly with small cats and dogs in the aircraft cabin as well as transport larger pets as checked baggage cargo. The airline has specific policies and restrictions regarding pet reservations, carriers, documents, fees and more that pet owners need to review before booking a flight. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Southwest's rules and regulations for flying with pets.

Key Highlights of Southwest Airlines Pet Policy

• Here are some key things to know about Southwest's pet travel services:

• Allows small cats and dogs in cabin under certain conditions

• Larger pets can fly as accompanied cargo on domestic routes

• Limits on pet types, breeds, numbers, sizes and weights

• Approved carriers required with proper labeling

• Advance reservations and confirmation required

• Pet fees apply each way

• Health certificates from veterinarian needed for cargo pets

• Compliance with all origin, transit and destination regulations mandatory

Southwest Airlines In-Cabin Pets

• Southwest allows travelers to fly with small domestic dogs and cats in the aircraft cabin with the following guidelines:

• Allowed In-Cabin Pet Types

• Only domestic dogs and cats permitted

• No aggressive or snub-nosed breeds allowed

• Puppies and kittens must be at least 8 weeks old

• In-Cabin Pet Carriers

• Soft-sided or hard-sided carriers required

• Must fit under seat and allow pet to stand, turn around and lie down

• Only one pet per carrier allowed

• Carrier plus pet cannot exceed 18.5 lbs in weight

• Pet Policies and Cabin Restrictions

• Advance reservations required and confirmed by Southwest

• Pets must stay in carrier under seat at all times

• Limit of one pet carrier per passenger

• Pets causing disturbances can be denied transport

• Southwest In-Cabin Pet Fee

• $95 each way per pet carrier

• No discounts or exceptions on pet fees

Southwest Airlines Cargo Pets

• Larger pets that exceed cabin size limits can fly on Southwest domestic routes as accompanied cargo:

• Allowed Cargo Pet Types

• Dogs and cats allowed

• No aggressive breeds permitted as cargo

• Approved Pet Kennels

• Airline-compliant plastic or fiberglass kennels only

• Proper interior bedding, bowls, ventilation required

• Kennels must allow pets to stand up and turn around

• Must have food/water bowls fixed inside

• Cargo Pet Reservations

• Contact Southwest Cargo to book cargo pets at least 2 hours before flight

• Limited cargo space available

• Cargo Pet Transport

• Pets transported in pressurized, climate-controlled holds

• Pets treated as priority baggage to minimize connections

• Southwest Cargo Pet Fee

• $195 per one-way trip for accompanied pets as cargo

• Health Certificates

• Veterinarian health certificate required within 10 days of travel

• Vaccination and medical records mandatory

Southwest Airlines Pet Policy Restrictions

• Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dog and cat breeds prohibited

• No puppies or kittens under 8 weeks old allowed

• Limits on number of pets per passenger and per flight

• Pets exhibiting aggressive behavior denied transport

• Compliance with all regulations at origin, transit and destination required

Southwest Airlines Dog Policy

• Dogs are allowed on Southwest flights per the following policies:

• In-Cabin Dogs

• Only small dogs in soft-sided approved carriers

• Carrier must fit under seat and allow dog to move around

• Rabies vaccination required for dogs over 4 months

• Affix contact info and "Live Pet" sticker to carrier

• Cargo Dogs

• Use airline-approved plastic kennels properly secured

• Proper interior bedding and bowls mandatory

• Attach "Live Animal" placards on kennel

• Brachycephalic breeds prohibited as cargo

Southwest Airlines Cat Policy

• Cats can fly on Southwest flights with these guidelines:

• In-Cabin Cats

• Use soft-sided leak-proof cat carriers meeting size limits

• Only domestic cats over 8 weeks old

• Cover part of carrier and affix ID tag inside

• Cargo Cats

• Use airline-compliant hard kennels with interior litter pan

• Kennels must have proper ventilation and openings

• Affix "Live Cat" stickers and feeding/care guidelines

Tips for Smooth Pet Travel

• To ensure an easy, stress-free flight for your pet on Southwest, keep these tips in mind:

• Read all Southwest pet travel policies fully and comply

• Get an airline-approved carrier in the right size

• Make reservations in advance as pet spots are limited

• Bring all required documents and health certificates

• Attach ID tags and placards properly on carrier/kennel

• Transport pets in climate-controlled cargo holds

• Minimize connections and transit time for cargo pets

• Prepare adequate comforts in carrier - toys, liners etc.

• By following Southwest's pet policies and regulations, you can travel smoothly with your furry companions. Proper planning and preparations will ensure a comfortable, stress-free flight experience for your pets.

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